말보다 말씀! 빚보다 빛!

[Key Verse]“I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will never take my love away from him, as I took it away from your predecessor. I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever.”—1 Chronicles 17:13-14

[Our Story]In the early 1970s, a relative of mine immigrated to New York—my granduncle, the youngest brother of my grandfather. Because of the age gap, my grandfather cared for him like a son, supporting him through college. After graduating and becoming a teacher, my granduncle met his future wife and eventually immigrated to the U.S. There, he started a business and never forgot the support he received. Every year, he sent gifts to show his gratitude. I remember when my grandaunt and one of my aunts visited our rural home in Korea. They brought large bundles labeled “Made in USA.” Everything they brought was special—elegant and delicious. But they also brought something even more valuable: a promise. My granduncle wanted to support the next generation, just as he had been supported. He offered to help send one of us, his grandnephews, to study in the U.S. Years passed, and we lost contact. Then, one day, a large sum of money arrived—enough to cover college tuition. It was from my granduncle. We later learned that he had suffered a major financial setback during the Gulf War and had even been the victim of fraud. Despite all that, he remembered his promise. Even in hardship, he honored it.To this day, I’m deeply moved whenever I think of the love and faithfulness he showed in keeping his word.

[Bible Story] 1 Chronicles 17–21 is all about God’s promise. God makes a covenant with David (see also 2 Samuel 7). Though David longs to build a temple for God, God doesn’t allow it (1 Chronicles 17:1–6). Instead, He promises David a lasting dynasty (17:7–15)—a promise that ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah through David’s line. David responds with a prayer of gratitude, and God's promise begins to unfold (17:16–27). David wins battle after battle, and the kingdom expands (chapters 18–20). God gives him victory over the Philistines, Moab, Aram, and Edom (18:6, 13). He also conquers the Ammonites after their king insults David’s envoys, and his army defeats the Philistines in three major battles, even slaying three of their giant warriors (chapter 20). Later, David conducts a census—a decision rooted in pride, trusting in numbers rather than God (chapter 21). God disciplines him, not because counting people is wrong, but because David relied on human strength instead of divine provision. Yet through all this, one thing is clear: God always keeps His promises—on His terms, in His time, and by His methods.

[Your Story] Has God given you a promise recently? Perhaps it’s something related to your family, your job, or your future. If so, take heart: God will fulfill it—not on your schedule or by your methods, but in His perfect timing and way. And if you’re unsure what God has promised you, open His Word. The Bible is a book full of God’s promises. You can hear them and see them, but the most reliable way to know God’s promises is by reading and meditating on scripture daily. When we stand before His Word, we’re able to recognize, receive, and hold on to His promises. Today, may you hold firmly to God’s promises. Keep fighting the good fight, and may you experience His victory.

“He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”—Romans 4:20-21

With blessings,
Pastor Hyung Joong Kim
Copyright ⓒ 2025 by Hyung Joong Kim